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Tendinitis
Summary
Tendons are flexible bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. They help your muscles move your bones. Tendinitis is the severe swelling of a tendon.
Tendinitis usually happens after repeated injury to an area such as the wrist or ankle. It causes pain and soreness around a joint. Some common forms of tendinitis are named after the sports that increase their risk. They include tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, pitcher’s shoulder, swimmer’s shoulder, and jumper’s knee.
Doctors diagnose tendinitis with your medical history, a physical exam, and imaging tests. The first step in treatment is to reduce pain and swelling. Rest, wrapping or elevating the affected area, and medicines can help. Ice is helpful for recent, severe injuries. Other treatments include ultrasound, physical therapy, steroid injections, and surgery.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Patient Handouts
- Achilles tendinitis Medical Encyclopedia
- De Quervain tendinitis Medical Encyclopedia
- Rotator cuff problems Medical Encyclopedia
- Tendinitis Medical Encyclopedia
- Tennis elbow Medical Encyclopedia
- Tenosynovitis Medical Encyclopedia
Specifics
- Achilles Tendinitis American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- De Quervain’s Tendinosis American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis American Academy of Family Physicians
- Peroneal Tendinosis American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
- Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD) American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
- Shoulder Impingement/Rotator Cuff Tendinitis American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Trigger Finger American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Teenagers
- Achilles Tendonitis Nemours Foundation
- Jumper’s Knee Nemours Foundation
- Proximal Biceps Tendonitis Nemours Foundation
Clinical Trials
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Tendinitis National Institutes of Health
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Tendinopathy National Institutes of Health
Find an Expert
- Find a Rheumatologist American College of Rheumatology
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Encyclopedia
- Heel pain and Achilles tendonitis — aftercare Medical Encyclopedia
- Medial epicondylitis – golfer’s elbow Medical Encyclopedia
Treatments and Therapies
- Joint and Soft Tissue Injections American Academy of Family Physicians
- Joint Injections (Joint Aspirations) American College of Rheumatology
- Tendinitis Pain: Should I Apply Ice or Heat? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
Children
- Jumper’s Knee (Patellar Tendonitis) (For Parents) Nemours Foundation
Diagnosis and Tests
- Musculoskeletal MRI Radiological Society of North America
- Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Radiological Society of North America
Journal Articles
Start Here
- Tendinitis (Bursitis) American College of Rheumatology